Custom Automation Systems

Fraunhofer CMI’s capabilities in custom automation

At Fraunhofer CMI we have more than 20 years’ experience in developing turnkey automation solutions for customers from a broad range of industries, including biotech/biomedical, consumer products, aerospace, renewable energy, and fiber optics/photonics.

Companies, governmental institutions, and start-ups collaborate with Fraunhofer CMI when they face challenges in their production processes, such as meeting the demand to produce products faster, more efficiently and with less waste, or scaling up their production volume. As diverse as the requests of Fraunhofer CMI’s clients are, we always operate in close collaboration with our customers to find unique solutions that address their specific challenges.

Manufacturing automation begins with a thorough understanding of the requirements of the process, followed by a review of commercially available state-of-the-art technologies that may be incorporated. In the cases where there is sufficient commercially available technology to accomplish the desired task, Fraunhofer CMI’s engineers and scientists work with our clients to select the best solutions and implement the chosen technologies in a cost effective fashion. If commercial technology is not available, we create new, alternative solutions for our clients.

The Custom Automation Process

Fraunhofer CMI takes a process-centric approach to custom automation development. We believe that custom automation without a thorough process understanding only results in making bad product faster! Thus, we begin by analyzing and, if necessary, modifying the process to make it more conducive to automation.

Once the manufacturing process is completely understood, we begin process development in a phased manner that typically include the following steps:

Conceptual design:Mechanical and electrical engineering design

Feasibility experiments

Detailed design

Software and controls development

Procurement and fabrication

Assembly and testing

Controls and installation

Service

After each phase, a project review is conducted with the client.

After delivery

Fraunhofer CMI’s systems are delivered with extensive documentation, and the industrial client's workforce is trained to independently operate and service the equipment. We can be called upon, of course, to provide spare parts and technical support should they be required after installation.

Contact Us

Together we'll find a customized automation solution for the unique challenges you face! For more information on the way we work, please see: